How much can notaries charge in Michigan?
Asked by: Damaris Jones | Last update: December 15, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)
A notary public in Michigan is not allowed to charge you more than $10 per notarial act. If a notary public is not a licensed attorney, they must include the following statement in their documents and advertisements: “I am not an attorney and have no authority to give advice on immigration or other legal matters.”
What is the maximum you can charge for a notary?
Standard Notarization: Basic services usually range from $20 to $80 per signature. Real Estate Documents: The fees for complex documents can range from $75 to $200. Remote Online Notarization: Virtual services typically cost $25. Travel Fees: Mobile notaries may charge $25 to $50, plus $0.50 per mile travelled or more.
What is the Michigan law for notary?
(1) A notary public shall place his or her signature on every record upon which he or she performs a notarial act. The notary public shall sign his or her name exactly as his or her name appears on his or her application for commission as a notary public.
What type of notaries make the most money?
Specialize in real estate closings
Make money as a notary public by becoming a loan signing agent and specializing in notarizing real estate documents. Loan signings are often more complex and command higher fees.
Is notary a good side hustle?
A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.
EXPLAINING HOW TO CHARGE NOTARY FEES IN MICHIGAN INLCUDING A TRAVEL FEE
How much can you charge to notarize in Michigan?
The Michigan Notary Public Act provides that a notary public may charge up to $10.00 for performing a notarial act.
Can you notarize a friend in Michigan?
Can I notarize my friend's document? No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.
What disqualifies you from being a notary in Michigan?
Sec. 41. (1) If an individual commissioned as a notary public in this state is convicted of a felony or of a substantially corresponding violation of another state, the secretary shall automatically revoke the notary public commission of that individual on the date that the individual's felony conviction is entered.
Is notary a stressful job?
Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.
Can you do notary part-time?
It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law. Some states also permit Notaries to charge a travel fee.
Where are notaries needed the most?
Banks, Mortgage Lenders, and Other Financial Institutions
As we pointed out, loan and mortgage documents require signature verification. The same goes for other financial agreements as well. That means financial institutions will need notary services on a regular basis.
Can you charge money as a notary?
Opportunity to make extra money
While it's difficult to build a six-figure income by doing simple notarizations like jurats and acknowledgments, some states have higher maximum rates than others. In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act.
Is notary income taxable in the IRS?
Notary income
Fees for services you provide as a notary public are not subject to self-employment tax. However, all of your other self-employment income is subject to self-employment tax.
Can a notary waive fees?
Answer: True. Notaries may choose to charge a lower fee to customers, or waive a fee entirely. In Arizona, for example, Notaries may charge any amount less than the maximum or may charge no fee at all. If Notaries do charge for their services, the state recommends fees should “be consistent.
How much do most notaries charge?
Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.
How to become a mobile notary in Michigan?
- Hold an active commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Select and buy an electronic/remote notarization system from the Secretary of State's approved vendor list.
Who am I not allowed to notarize for?
Notary disqualifications
These may include: You are a signer of the document. You are named as a party to the underlying transaction or have a financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. The signer is your spouse, parent or child.
How much does a mobile notary cost in Michigan?
A Michigan notary may charge $10.00 per notarization, plus a travel fee agreed upon prior to the notary traveling to the signer. There may also be a charge to provide a witness (usually $25 per witness) or courier fees. The notary is required to provide a detailed quote BEFORE the appointment takes place.
How to become a mobile notary?
- Meet the Basic Requirements. ...
- Complete Notary Education and Training. ...
- Pass the Notary Exam. ...
- Obtain a Notary Bond and Insurance. ...
- Apply for Your Notary Commission. ...
- Setting Up Your Business Structure. ...
- Marketing Your Services. ...
- Managing Appointments and Scheduling.
Does Michigan allow online notary?
Yes. While using a remote notarization system/platform a notary public must adhere to all the requirements as set forth in the Michigan Law on Notarial Acts (MiLONA), as amended.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
Time Commitment and Costs
Initial training courses may take several hours to days to complete, depending on the program's complexity. Ongoing education is necessary to stay current with changes in notarial laws and procedures. Costs can include training fees, application fees, bond expenses, and insurance premiums.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Do you tip a notary?
Just like money tips, the recommended ethical practice for other types of gifts and gratuities is not to accept them. Guiding Principle II-A-3 of The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility of 2020 recommends Notaries should not accept any gifts, gratuities or donations.